Fig. 81.
A log called a skid ([Fig. 79]) is laid on the ground a few feet from the base of the tree, which will keep the butt of the tree off the ground when the tree is felled. The limbs at the top will keep the other end off the ground. A space is cleared of bushes and obstructions where the tree is to fall.
After the tree has been cut down, a cut is made in a straight line (A, B, [Fig. 79]), splitting the bark from top to bottom, and a ring cut at A and B ([Fig. 79]). When sap is flowing, the bark is readily removed; but in winter the edges of the cut are raised with a knife, and a thin, pliant hard-wood knife or "spud" is pushed around under the bark.
Toasting
After the bark has dropped upon the ground the inside surface is warmed with a torch, which softens and straightens it out flat. The torch is made of a bundle of birch bark held in a split stick ([Fig. 81]).
It is then rolled up like a carpet, with inside surface out, and tightly bound, generally with cedar bark when the latter can be procured ([Fig. 80]).
If the tree is long enough, a piece is taken off at least nineteen feet in length, so that the ends of the canoe may not be pieced out. A few shorter pieces are wrapped up with the bundle for piecing out the sides.
The Roll
is taken on the back in an upright position, and is carried by a broad band of cedar bark, passing under the lower end of the roll and around in front of the breast and shoulders ([Fig. 82]).